Microsoft used Xbox dev kits for a 'Halo Infinite' tournament

Photo by Billy Freeman on Unsplash

The ongoing Xbox shortage hasn't just affected consumers; even Microsoft itself had run into issues because of it. This weekend, the company reportedly used Xbox Series X dev kits to run its first big Halo Infinite tournament, the Halo Championship Series' Raleigh Major. Microsoft couldn't get enough retail consoles to use. 

But, according to 343 Industries' esports lead Tahir Hasandjekic, the dev kits are "functionally identical" to off-the-shelf consoles and would operate in that mode. They won't look like the competitors' consoles at home, but they should function the same. In the simplest terms to describe the situation, Hasandjekic said, the "global supply chain shortage is real."

Via: Engadget

Xbox brings Xbox Cloud Gaming to its consoles

If you want to try out a game on Xbox without downloading it, Microsoft gives you that option with the start of the Xbox Cloud Gaming rollout. It's coming to Canada and 25 other regions first to users with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. If it still hasn't made it your way, you might need to wait a bit as the November release is for a "subset of Xbox gamers," with everyone in the supported markets getting it "over the coming weeks."

Xbox Cloud Gaming will make it easy to demo games you aren't ready to purchase yet. Or you can jump into a multiplayer game with a friend on a title you haven't installed yet. Those with an Xbox One can try out next-generation exclusive titles like Recompile, The Riftbreaker, and The Medium. If you're a fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator, that's coming to the cloud game library in early 2022.

Via: The Verge

Xbox controller update makes it easier to switch between devices

A new update for the Xbox rolls out Bluetooth Low Energy support for its controller and supported devices. This change makes it easier to pair and switch from the Xbox One consoles to other systems, including Windows 10, iOS 15, and Android. The firmware update makes the switch between your devices much more seamless. You simply need to double-tap the "pair" button for it to work. 

Microsoft is also introducing Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) for older controllers to reduce console input latency with the latest Xbox Series X/S consoles. This should result in a reaction time similar to the controllers that ship with the console. The company is testing this feature with Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha Xbox Insiders today, and it's expected to come to all users in the coming months.

Source: Engadget

UPDATE: Microsoft clarifies that the Xbox doesn't have exclusivity of Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos on consoles

Updated on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 7:30PM by Nicole Batac

Photo by Billy Freeman on Unsplash

If you want access to Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos on your gaming console of choice, then you better have a Microsoft Xbox. The company has exclusive rights to both technologies for two years. Since November's launch, the Xbox Series X/S systems have supported Dolby Atmos 3D audio, while the Xbox One has had it since 2017. If you want access to Dolby Atmos on Xbox consoles or PCs, you'll need to purchase a USD 15 license. But if you have the new Xbox Wireless Headset, you have access to Atmos at no extra cost until the end of September.

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